Premier League

Suarez flattered by interest

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 15:43:00

Manchester United's hunt for silverware will not be affected by
increasing commercial demands, according to group managing director
Richard Arnold.

Arnold has been one of United's major players in securing a raft
of gargantuan commercial deals in recent times, chief among which
is the record Â£357million shirt sponsorship deal with
Chevrolet that takes effect from the start of the 2014-15
campaign.

On Monday, Arnold announced a five-year contract with Russian
airline Aeroflot that will net the Old Trafford outfit well in
excess of Â£25million.

However, the prominent presence of manager David Moyes and many
members of his first-team squad at the Aeroflot event has given way
to concerns about the additional demands being placed on playing
staff.

Moyes revealed he had been made "very aware" by predecessor Sir
Alex Ferguson that dealing with sponsors is now regarded as part of
the manager's brief at United.

Yet Arnold insists there will be no impact on performances on
the pitch.

"The number one objective for everyone at this club is to be the
number one team on the pitch," said Arnold. "We do nothing that
will get in the way of that.

"We work very hard with the support staff to make sure what we
do is done in a way that minimises any impact on the players, both
from a fatigue and distraction point of view.

"The work we do is very carefully planned."

United's commercial revenue is expected to take another massive
leap when it is confirmed in the annual results due to be published
in the autumn.

And there is still the major shirt manufacturing deal, currently
held by Nike, to be concluded, which will net United another huge
sum.

The Aeroflot partnership could ultimately bring in around
Â£40million according to some observers, but Arnold feels
the airline stands to benefit massively from that investment.

"They have a very good understanding of what we can do for them
in terms of connecting and elevating their brand, not just with our
fans but with a billion football fans around the world," said
Arnold.

"There is nothing like sport. In sport there is nothing like
football and in football there is nothing like Manchester United in
terms of delivering connection and exposure.

"It is one of the highest levels of partnership, which is
reflective of a serious commitment from them and us.

"Also it is a first partner for a particular part of the world
and we are very excited about that."

The Wales international began his career at Prenton Park before
going on to play for the likes of West Brom, Cardiff and Wigan.

But the 33-year-old has been without a club since his last
professional appearance for Cardiff in their play-off semi-final
defeat to Reading in May 2011.

Moore confirmed on Tuesday that Koumas' love for the game has
been rekindled and he will be assessed in the coming weeks.

"We got a phone call from his agent asking if we'd have a look
at him," Moore told the club's official website. "He fell out of
love with the game, but he's back in love with it and he wants to
come back.

"We said to bring him in and we've got sports science guys
working with us now who will monitor his fitness.

"In two or three weeks time when he's fit and can play then who
knows what might happen, but at the present time he's here to train
and we'll have a look at him.

"It was supposed to be top secret, but nothing lasts too
long."

The 29-year-old former West Brom and Birmingham man made 38
appearances during his single season with the Robins before leaving
earlier this summer when his contract expired.

And he will be a Cobbler from August 1 as Aidy Boothroyd looks
to harness Carter's experience in their promotion push.

"Darren's pedigree is clear for everyone to see," he told the
club's official website. "I think we've got a really, really good
player on our hands, he's got a great record and he's in absolutely
fantastic shape.

"He has had a lot of other offers so I'm delighted we've managed
to get him. He's a terrific professional, he scores goals from
midfield and he's a winner."

Suarez's future at Liverpool has been the subject of constant
speculation all summer with the player not hiding his desire to
leave Anfield.

Arsenal have reportedly had a bid turned down by Liverpool for
Suarez, while Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in
the former Ajax man.

Real Madrid are thought to be leading the chase to sign Suarez
with the player's agent reported to have met Liverpool boss Brendan
Rodgers and managing director Ian Ayre on Monday to discuss his
future.

Liverpool are loath to lose the Uruguayan with the player
thought to be keen on a move away in a bid to be playing in the
Champions League.

The 26-year-old admits there have been no offers for his
services yet, but claims Liverpool know his intentions to
leave.

"There have been no offers yet, but Liverpool know exactly what
is going on and what I want," Suarez told Uruguayan radio station
Sport 890.

"My agent is in charge, he knows what I want, I am resting and
relaxed. I am due back in about 10 days, on the 21st of July (for
the friendly with Melbourne Victory)... a phone call could change
everything."

On the rumours linking him with Premier League rivals Arsenal
and Chelsea, Suarez said: "It's good to know that I am still valued
by teams like Arsenal. Friends call me up to ask if I am moving to
Chelsea, to which I laugh.

"Don't believe everything you read or hear! I am sometimes off
the grid. I don't even know where my phone is sometimes."

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